Gunsmithing some what unimployed

snowdin5000

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Minuteman
May 27, 2012
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Idaho
Well we just closed the glass shop that I ran but the good news is there is another that going to put me to work. But this change in life got me thinking about getting into gunsmithing. So my question is were is a good place to start on this path. I already get stuck fixing and working on my friends guns but like anything I do In life I want to do it right and good.
 
Re: some what unimployed

+1 on your restraint. Shocked that you didn't burn him for bringing nothing to the table, in terms of your query for info. Of course it's expected given the geographical data.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tipper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fucking grammer police. </div></div>
Trinidad in Colorado is the one to beat.
 
Re: some what unimployed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sawman556</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I believe every gunsmith should be able to spell and have some ability to compose a sentence. My grammar sucks for the most part! However, I do try to get my spelling correct.</div></div>

Agreed but for society in general, not just smiths.

But back to the topic at hand, there are many schools/programs out there for the sole purpose of teaching people the tools of the trade. I know the NRA offers a few short-term classes around the states, but only at 4 locations I think. (California, Colorado, Oklahoma and North Carolina)

If it is something that you really want to learn about, check around your area at trade schools and see if they offer anything of this sort.
 
Re: some what unimployed

Become somebody's apprentice. Start sweeping the floor, show eagerness and they'll have you up and running in no time. Stick with it, or open your own shop.
 
Re: some what unimployed

I would love to take a trade school class in my area but none of them currently offer anything on gun smithing the closest they offer is a machining class. I would love to get on as an apprentice but there are few if next to no smiths in the area unless anyone on here knows of on in S.E. Idaho. As far as opening my own shop I could do that I know the basics but that is it and I don't want to half ass it.
 
Re: some what unimployed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The most committed wins. . . </div></div>

Indeed. I've given it all of my free time and money for ten years and still haven't opened the doors. It will probably be another 2 or 3 before I take the plunge.

Best to have the major equipment bought and paid for before you start, if you can swing it.
 
Re: some what unimployed

Take the machining classes. They will benefit you if you pursue the trade.
Check with various manufacturers and take Armorers courses as they pop up.
Buy every reference you can. Read them.
Then you have a little something to bring to the table as far as apprenticeship but keep in mind as an apprentice your real pay is the knowledge you gain.
 
Re: some what unimployed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: snowdin5000</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well we just closed the glass shop that I ran but the good news is there is another that going to put me to work. But this change in life got me thinking about getting into gunsmithing. So my question is were is a good place to start on this path. I already get stuck fixing and working on my friends guns but like anything I do In life I want to do it right and good.
</div></div>

Are you asking how to learn more for personal fullfillment, or as a potential form of income?

The best way to make a little money as a gunsmith is to start with a lot of money...
 
Re: some what unimployed

I live in SE Idaho. I am a machining student at ISU. There aren't any programs in this area for gunsmithing, not even any small 1 or 2 day courses. Armores classes pop up every now and then, mostly for the police unfortunately. A few gunsmiths in the area do accurizing. I have already tried to do apprentice work with them at no success. I even offered to work for free, I was told by one that the last apprentice he had paid him. . . . $13.75 / hr to "learn" from him.

ISU offeres some night time machining classes, they are usually once a semester for 30 hours. They are spread out over 10 weeks 3 hours a night on wed and are usually about $200. It is thru workforce training.
 
Re: some what unimployed

If I may.

Armorer, gunsmith, and gunmaker.

All laymen terms that have vastly different meaning.

Armorer:

A 2111 (USMC for armorer) takes your weapons card, hangs it on the rack where your rifle goes, pulls the rifle, and hands it to you. He performs inspections on the weapon systems in his/her inventory (LTI's) to ensure they are serviceable. He/she makes your life miserable by pointing out every little spec of dirt/grime/chlamydia stuck to your rifle as a result of going to the range and/or the field. This usually takes place on a Friday afternoon as its carefully coordinated between the armory SNCOIC and your Company Guns.

Gunsmith: He fixes trigger issues, beds a stock, attaches a scope, laps rings, fits a barrel, accurizes receivers, etc. This would be the job that fills the minds of most when it comes to building rifles, pistols, scatterguns, etc. Some specialize and focus on one line of products only. Some can do it all (rare).

Gunmaker: He starts with an idea and a bench full of blocks of steel, wood, aluminum, etc. Somewhere along the lines a fully finished firearm emerges from the ashes. He too generally specializes in a particular field. Being able to do this just means that he must also know the other two jobs previously mentioned.

Long story short its just building blocks accumulated over a career in this kind of trade. Where you end up/aspire to be just depends on your level of commitment. You can be an armorer and never even know what a milling center is. You can't be a gunmaker however without knowing the job of an armorer. Not without the BATF taking a big chunk out of your ass during your first compliance inspection anyways. . .

Hope this helps and good luck. The industry needs good people.

C.
 
Re: some what unimployed

If someone is going to go into business for himself, then the first thing they need to be is a good businessman. Not knowing how to run a business has ruined many a talented hobbyist.
 
Re: some what unimployed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I may.

Armorer, gunsmith, and gunmaker.

All laymen terms that have vastly different meaning.

Armorer:

A 2111 (USMC for armorer) takes your weapons card, hangs it on the rack where your rifle goes, pulls the rifle, and hands it to you. He performs inspections on the weapon systems in his/her inventory (LTI's) to ensure they are serviceable. He/she makes your life miserable by pointing out every little spec of dirt/grime/chlamydia stuck to your rifle as a result of going to the range and/or the field. This usually takes place on a Friday afternoon as its carefully coordinated between the armory SNCOIC and your Company Guns.

Gunsmith: He fixes trigger issues, beds a stock, attaches a scope, laps rings, fits a barrel, accurizes receivers, etc. This would be the job that fills the minds of most when it comes to building rifles, pistols, scatterguns, etc. Some specialize and focus on one line of products only. Some can do it all (rare).

Gunmaker: He starts with an idea and a bench full of blocks of steel, wood, aluminum, etc. Somewhere along the lines a fully finished firearm emerges from the ashes. He too generally specializes in a particular field. Being able to do this just means that he must also know the other two jobs previously mentioned.

Long story short its just building blocks accumulated over a career in this kind of trade. Where you end up/aspire to be just depends on your level of commitment. You can be an armorer and never even know what a milling center is. You can't be a gunmaker however without knowing the job of an armorer. Not without the BATF taking a big chunk out of your ass during your first compliance inspection anyways. . .

Hope this helps and good luck. The industry needs good people.

C.</div></div>

Props to you Chad if they knocked you for having chlamydia on your stick. That's some serious humpin' goin on
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